Floatility e-floater scoots to launch with Stratasys 3D printing

German start-up, Floatility GmbH, has developed a first-of-its-kind, lightweight, solar-powered, electric scooter using both Stratasys 3D printing technology.

Designed for city living, the smart 'e-floater' scooter houses an electric-motor and drives on three wheels, enabling users to stand upright and ride freely without physical exertion.

In order meet the product's launch date of November, Floatility utilised both Stratasys FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technologies throughout the product development phase to create a working prototype.

"The need to build prototypes that exactly resembled the final product and that would enable us to test everything thoroughly was vital to the successful launch of this product," Oliver Risse, Floatility's founder, explained. "3D printing was essential in this regard as it allowed the team to physically test the design and concept of e-floater as if it were the final product. This not only sped up the product development cycle but dramatically reduced our product development costs. We would have not been able to take this product from concept to launch without using Stratasys 3D printing solutions to develop a working prototype - it's as simple as that."

As well as improved time and cost efficiencies, the team were able to combine different materials in one print. This saw the team produce soft components such as the tail- and front lights, wheels and grips on the PolyJet-based Objet500 Connex3 Color Multi-material 3D Printer, while the super-tough components were 3D printed using the mechanically-strong and UV stable, FDM-based, ASA material on the Stratasys Fortus 450 3D Production System.

Andy Middleton, President, Stratasys, EMEA, added: "The e-floater is a perfect example of how 3D printing enables designers and inventors to turn their concepts into fully-operational products quickly and cost-effectively. In this case, the blend of both our core 3D printing technologies proved instrumental in bringing another exciting and innovative product to market and, as a company, we're delighted to play a part in helping Floatility - and other start-up businesses like them - bring their ideas to products."